The Sacrifice - Part 11 - The End
"I've treated Roman's injuries and he's resting now. I've also given him antibiotics and painkillers, so he should be comfortable...as much as he can be, given the circumstances."
"As for Evelyn, I've done all I could for the moment, but we'll have to wait for the morning change before I can perform a full examination. Her wounds seem to be healing remarkably fast though."
"Is it because she's a werewolf?"
"Yes, although I do want to take a closer look at that bite, in case it's at risk of becoming infected. I admit I don't have any experience treating demon-inflicted wounds."
"They are prone to infection."
"I still can't wrap my head around the idea that anyone would do something like this! To their own child, no less!"
"You took such a risk in confronting her, Fiona! The inhabitants of the Hellplanes are not to be trifled with!"
"I'm aware of that, Dad. Would you rather I'd let Jacob and Evelyn go in there alone?"
"Of course not - what you did was very brave - but we can't help worrying. The whole thing could've gone so much worse."
"Well, it worked out fine, so you can let it go now."
It was Abby who brought the conversation back on track.
"Is Roman going to be all right?"
"Physically? Probably. He had a number of deep gashes that needed stitches, several broken bones including two ribs, a bruised lung, plus the...runes carved into his back, which will be uncomfortable for a while. Assuming there are no complications, these should heal in time."
"Mentally, it's a different matter. I'm not an expert, but I don't think the kind of trauma he's been through is something he'll be able to just shrug off. Speaking to therapist might help him."
"May we go in and see them?"
"You may, but just for a little while. Jacob is with Roman already; he hasn't left his bedside since I brought him back to the ward."
"Mr Stigfinnare is with his wife as well. He's been worried sick about her, prowling around the waiting room like a caged wolf."
"I'm surprised he didn't kick the door down."
"He might've done, if I hadn't let him in."
The trio - together with Ulf, who refused to be parted from Evelyn - gathered around Roman's bed.
Roman was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to sleep and forget, but he forced a smile on his face as he looked at each of the people who had risked their lives to save him.
In truth, he could hardly believe it.
"I don't know what to say. I owe you my life - no, more than my life. My soul. 'Thank you' doesn't seem like enough..."
"This is the second time I had to help save your ass, Turner! You'd better not make a habit out of it!"
Evelyn's cheerful tone helped defuse some of the tension, although Ulf kept his arm wrapped protectively around his wife. She was putting up a brave front, but he could tell she was hurting more than she was letting on. He hated it!
"Fiona...? What do you mean?"
"The ritual circle carved into his back. The Nameless One may be have been banished, but those runes are magic. He's tied to the Hellplanes now."
Roman sat up so fast that white stars burst before his eyes and his injuries flared painfully despite the medication keeping the worst of it at bay. He felt the cold panic rising like a tide.
"Are you saying it can come back?"
"Fuck. You're not, are you?"
"There are many doors between the planes, and things have a way of slipping through the cracks. That sigil is one such door; closed for the moment, but not locked."
"But you can remove it, right?! Or...render it inert, or something?"
"I...I'll do some research. Ask around."
Roman looked so crestfallen, Jacob's heart twinged in sympathy.
"Guys? Can you give us a moment, please?"
"Please try not to think about it, all right? If anything happens, my whole family are witches; they'll help. You need to focus on getting better."
Roman smiled humorlessly; it was hard not to think about the interdimensional door to Hell itself he carried around on his back, but he was so very tired. Sleep beckoned, demons or no demons.
But first, there was something he needed to say to Jacob.
"I have to admit, I didn't expect you to come to my rescue. Considering how things are between us..."
"Look, just because we broke up doesn't mean I don't still lo- care about you. Besides, I didn't actually do much, it was mostly Evelyn and Fiona."
"Still. Facing down demons and witches when you're just a regular person with no special powers took guts."
Something happened then that Roman did not expect: he burst into laughter. Which hurt, but it was worth it, and his heart felt lighter for it.
"I think I'd like to sleep now..."
"Yes, you should. I'll be back to see you in the morning."
As Roman sank into the cottonwool depths of drug-induced sleep, a smile fluttered on his lips.
Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the story!
